For reheating, defrosting and preparing simple meals, start with a straightforward freestanding microwave whose external dimensions and turntable suit your available space. Choose a grill model if you regularly brown or crisp dishes; a combination model is mainly worthwhile when you also need convection cooking and have more room.
For reheating, defrosting and occasionally preparing simple dishes with a freestanding appliance, measure the available space first before comparing capacity or features. Samsung France highlights that your space and cooking habits should guide your choice.
If your accommodation has few cooking appliances, a combination model can bring together microwave, grill and convection cooking. However, check its overall size and weight: the LG MC-8090WH model cited by LG France measures 53 × 32 × 42 cm and weighs 19 kg.
A grill microwave is suitable for reheated meals, leftovers and frozen foods, while also allowing you to brown a dish occasionally. Que Choisir distinguishes this feature from a standard microwave and does not equate it with convection cooking.
Choose this if: you reheat, defrost and occasionally cook simple dishes without regularly needing to brown them.
Bear in mind: it cannot brown or crisp food; according to Samsung France, a power output of 700 W may take longer for large portions.
Choose this if: you also want to brown pizzas, lasagnes or similar dishes from time to time.
Bear in mind: the grill adds surfaces to clean and does not automatically replace a convection oven.
Choose this if: the appliance also needs to cover some of the functions of an oven using convection cooking.
Bear in mind: carefully check the installation surface, weight and ventilation clearances stated in the instructions.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Actual footprint | Compare the appliance’s external width, height and depth with your furniture. Check the turntable diameter, door clearance and ventilation clearances. | I want to place the appliance without blocking my worktop and still fit my usual plates or dishes inside. |
| Useful features | A standard model covers reheating, defrosting and simple cooking. The grill is for browning; convection cooking is a combination-model feature. | My meals are mainly reheated or defrosted, but I may need to brown dishes or cook as I would in an oven. |
| Power and defrosting | Compare the power output with the usual size of your portions. Look for a defrosting level or programme suited to the foods you use. | I want to avoid waiting too long for a large dish and be able to adjust the cycle for bread, meat or frozen food. |
| Compatible containers | Only use containers marked as microwave-safe. Follow the power and time instructions on the packaging, and do not use metal inside the cavity. | I reheat ready meals and want clear instructions for the container and programme. |
The cavity capacity does not tell you the dimensions of the outer casing. For comparison, Electrolux France gives dimensions of 442 × 262 × 345 mm for its 21 L EMZ421MMK, while LG France gives 53 × 32 × 42 cm for its 32 L MC-8090WH.
Before ordering, note the external dimensions, weight, door-opening direction and the clearances required in the instructions.
A standard appliance covers reheating, defrosting and some simple cooking; the grill adds browning and the combination model adds convection cooking. Extra features are only useful if they match the meals you prepare.
List your weekly uses: reheating or defrosting, occasional browning, or cooking as you would in an oven. Then choose the least complex option that covers them.
Metal is not suitable for microwave use. Anses states that intensive reheating, particularly at too high a power or for too long, increases the risk of substances migrating from certain packaging into food.
Only use containers explicitly marked as microwave-safe, and follow the power and time instructions shown on the meal’s packaging.
A model’s specifications do not guarantee that it will be available from a retailer when you are ready to buy.
Before paying, check the exact model, product reference, availability status and applicable warranty on the retailer’s product page.
The EMZ421MMK is a useful reference when assessing a compact freestanding grill microwave: Electrolux France lists a 21 L capacity, 800 W microwave power, a grill and dimensions of 442 × 262 × 345 mm.
The MWP201W illustrates a standard freestanding microwave: Whirlpool France lists a 20 L capacity, 700 W power, a 245 mm turntable and dimensions of 45,2 × 26,2 × 35 cm.
The MC-8090WH is a useful reference for a freestanding combination model without a separate oven: LG France lists a 32 L capacity, 900 W microwave power, a grill and a fan-assisted cooking function.
Joybuy options for equipping a studio or temporary accommodation, including standard and grill microwaves to compare according to the available space and the features you need.
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Worth considering if you want to reheat, defrost and occasionally brown food without a built-in appliance.
Listed dimensions: 48,4 × 28,5 × 42 cm; 27 cm turntable, 900 W microwave power, 1 000 W grill and six power levels.
The grill is for browning, but there is no confirmation of a convection function comparable to an oven. Also check your furniture and ventilation clearances.
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This freestanding model is suitable for everyday meals, with a grill function for occasional browning.
It lists a 20 L capacity, 700 W power, nine power levels, defrosting, an 800 W grill, a 245 mm turntable and dimensions of 45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm.
The product information requires at least 10 cm of clearance at the sides and rear; also check the space needed above the appliance in the instructions.
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A straightforward option for reheating and defrosting everyday portions when you do not need a grill function.
The product information lists a 23 L capacity, 800 W power, six power levels, Quick Defrost, 29 automatic programmes, a 28,8 cm turntable and dimensions of 48,9 × 27,5 × 37,4 cm.
This solo model is not suitable for regular browning. Check the instructions for the required ventilation clearances.
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Worth considering for reheating and defrosting simple meals on a small worktop.
Listed specifications: 20 L capacity, 700 W power, five heat settings, defrost function, 24,5 cm turntable and dimensions of 45 × 35 × 26,5 cm.
No grill or convection function is listed. Check the instructions for ventilation, voltage and the plug type suitable for your installation.
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This standard microwave is suitable for reheating and defrosting in a limited space.
It lists a 20 L capacity, 700 W power, 11 power levels, six pre-set menus, express cooking, memory, weight- or time-based defrosting and dimensions of 440 × 319 × 259 mm.
No grill or convection function is listed. Check the ventilation clearances, turntable diameter, voltage and plug type before installation.
Measure the width, height and depth of the available space, then compare these measurements with the model’s external dimensions, not just its capacity in litres. Also check the door clearance and the clearances required in the instructions.
Yes, if you only reheat, defrost and cook simple dishes. Choose a grill model for browning, and a combination model if you also need to grill and cook with convection instead of using an oven, accepting that the appliance will take up more space.
Do not use metal containers or utensils. For boxes, trays and ready meals, only use them when they are designed for microwave use, and follow the manufacturer’s power and time instructions.
In France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual, according to the Ministry of the Economy. If the product does not match the description or has a conformity defect, contact the professional seller first.
You can take it to a collection point or recycling centre, return it to a retailer or hand it over to a social and solidarity economy organisation, as indicated by the Ministry for Ecological Transition.